CHIO Rotterdam strengthens focus on top-level individual dressage
For many years, CHIO Rotterdam has proudly featured the FEI Nations Cup as part of its program. However, in recent years we have observed a significant decline in interest in the team competition, while participation and enthusiasm for the individual dressage competitions have remained strong.
At the same time, the costs associated with organising a team competition are relatively high, and there is currently no sponsor linked to the Nations Cup Dressage. After careful consideration, we have therefore decided not to organise the Dressage Nations Cup at the upcoming edition of CHIO Rotterdam and to focus fully on the CDI4* individual competition. This decision was taken following careful consultation with the national federation.
With this choice, CHIO Rotterdam aims to focus on quality and sport at the highest level, continuing to offer the very best dressage sport to both participants and spectators. The international dressage programme at CHIO will remain unchanged, with the Grand Prix on Thursday and the Grand Prix Special and Grand Prix Freestyle on Saturday evening.
“We believe this is the right step to safeguard the highest level of dressage sport at CHIO Rotterdam. Together with the organisers of Nations Cup Dressage competitions, we are in discussions with the FEI about a new format, and we hope a new concept will be in place next year,” said Patrick van der Meer, Sports Director of CHIO Rotterdam.